1917 Half Dollar Coin Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The 1917 Walking Liberty half dollar stands as a highly sought-after key date in the collecting world. Despite being minted at only three facilities, it produced five distinct varieties due to a sudden mid-year change in mint mark positioning, creating a unique transitional characteristic.

This unique transition makes 1917 half dollars particularly valuable to collectors, with dramatic price differences across varieties. While a standard Philadelphia issue starts at $25.20 in Good condition, the scarce San Francisco obverse variety commands $63.00 in the same grade and can reach an extraordinary $17,118.33 in mint state condition.

The scarcest varieties, particularly the 1917-S Obverse, demonstrating how historical significance and rarity can transform these silver coins into coveted numismatic treasures.

 

1917 Half Dollar Value By Variety

This comprehensive value chart reveals the dramatic price differences between 1917 Half Dollar varieties, with the rare 1917-S Obverse commanding value in Mint State condition—nearly ten times more than its common Philadelphia counterpart.

If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollar Worth Money (1964 – Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1917 Half Dollar Worth Money

The chart reveals a clear hierarchy among 1917 Half Dollar varieties, with the 1917-S Obverse MS-67 commanding the series pinnacle at $152,750. This premium reflects the coin’s dual rarity factors: the lowest mintage among obverse varieties combined with exceptional preservation in gem condition.

The dramatic price differential between mintmark positions becomes evident when comparing the 1917-S Obverse MS-66 at $43,475 versus the 1917-S Reverse MS-66 at $66,000—demonstrating how survival rates can override mintage figures in determining market value.

Grade sensitivity drives the exponential price increases within each variety. A single grading point separates the $78,000 1917-D Obverse MS-66 from potential six-figure territory in MS-67 condition.

Even the common Philadelphia issues achieve significant premiums, with the 1917 MS-67 reaching $39,950, proving that exceptional preservation can transform any variety into a valuable collectible.

 

History Of The 1917 Half Dollar

The 1917 Walking Liberty half dollar emerged during one of America’s most pivotal periods, as the nation moved toward entering World War I. Released into circulation in early January 1917 to little fanfare, these coins entered public hands just as the United States was moving toward war with Germany.

Unlike the Mercury dime’s debut, which had generated considerable publicity in 1916, the 1917 half dollar’s release was overshadowed by escalating international tensions.

What makes the 1917 half dollar historically unique is the dramatic mid-year change in mintmark placement that occurred during production. On February 14, 1917, just weeks after Walking Liberty halves began circulating, Mint Director Friedrich von Engelken ordered the mintmark relocated from the obverse to the reverse, stating that “the obverse mintmarks had the appearance of a defect in the die and were entirely too prominent”.

The transition was officially confirmed in writing on April 14, 1917, when Baker authorized the die modifications that moved mintmarks to the reverse near the seven o’clock position. This unprecedented mid-year adjustment created five distinct varieties of 1917 half dollars—a Philadelphia issue plus both obverse and reverse mintmark versions from Denver and San Francisco.

Also Read: Top 35 Most Valuable Franklin Half Dollar Worth Money (1948 – 1963)

 

Is Your 1917 Half Dollar Rare?

Confirm the specific rarity classification and current market positioning for your half dollar using our CoinValueChecker App‘s comprehensive Walking Liberty assessment system.

 

Key Features of The 1917 Half Dollar

The 1917 Half Dollar stands showcasing Adolph A. Weinman’s masterful design that earned recognition as “one of the greatest coins of the United States”. This transitional year created five distinct varieties due to the unprecedented mid-year mintmark relocation, making 1917 uniquely significant in the Walking Liberty series.

The Obverse Of The 1917 Half Dollar

The obverse depicts Miss Liberty walking toward the sun, her right arm outstretched, her left arm carrying a bundle of branches, with a starry cape behind.

Liberty strides gracefully over rocky terrain with her hand outstretched toward the rising sun, wrapped in the American flag and carrying branches of oak and laurel, symbolizing American strength and prosperity respectively.

The inscription “LIBERTY” appears widely spaced above, with “IN GOD WE TRUST” positioned to the lower right, and the date 1917 below.

For early 1917 issues from Denver and San Francisco mints, the mintmark appears beneath the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the obverse, making these obverse mintmark varieties particularly sought after by collectors today.

The Reverse Of The 1917 Half Dollar

The reverse shows an eagle perched on a rocky crag, from which grows a pine branch symbolizing strength, with wings unfolded in a pose suggesting power.

This majestic American bald eagle stands on a rocky outcrop with a mountain pine springing from it, representing America’s rugged roots. The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” appears above, “E PLURIBUS UNUM” to the left, and “HALF DOLLAR” below. Weinman’s initials “AW” can be found discreetly placed under the eagle’s right wing.

For later 1917 production, the mintmark was moved to the reverse near the edge at the 7 o’clock position, creating the more common reverse mintmark varieties.

Other Features Of The 1917 Half Dollar

The 1917 Half Dollar measures 30.6mm in diameter and weighs 12.50 grams, composed of 90% silver and 10% copper with a total net weight of 0.36169 ounces of pure silver. All coins feature a reeded edge with small ridged bumps around the circumference.

Also Read: Top 60+ Most Valuable Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916 -1947)

 

1917 Half Dollar Mintage & Survival Data

The 1917 Half Dollar production tells a fascinating scenario of abundance versus scarcity that defies conventional wisdom.

While Philadelphia’s massive 12.2 million coin mintage dominates the series, its survival rate of just 0.51% reveals the brutal reality of heavy circulation and wartime metal demands. The true prize lies in understanding the mintmark positioning change that created such dramatic rarity differences.

The obverse mintmark varieties demonstrate remarkable preservation despite their lower original production. The 1917-D Obverse achieved an impressive 4.96% survival rate from just 765,400 coins minted, while the 1917-S Obverse maintained nearly 5% survival from 952,000 pieces. These statistics highlight why collectors prize early production runs over their more common reverse mintmark counterparts, which despite higher mintages show lower survival percentages.

Also Read: What Half Dollars Are Worth Money?

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1917 Half Dollar Value 

Walking Liberty half dollars from 1917 present distinct grading complexities due to strike weakness issues common throughout the series. Many coins display weakly defined details despite never circulating, making it challenging to distinguish genuine wear from production limitations on Liberty’s figure and the eagle’s features.

This grading difficulty matters significantly for value. Your 1917 half dollar could be worth hundreds in lower grades or reach $17,118 for premium MS-66 condition—accurate assessment is essential.

For preliminary assessment before investing in professional grading services, our CoinValueChecker App provides instant grade estimation and value detection to help identify potential treasures.

 

1917 Half Dollar Value Guides

The 1917 Half Dollar presents collectors with an unprecedented opportunity to own five distinct varieties from a single year, created by the historic mid-year mintmark relocation that transformed American coinage forever. Each variety tells its own value through mintage figures, survival rates, and market performance, with values ranging from affordable circulated examples to six-figure auction records for premium specimens.

1917 Half Dollar Types:

• 1917 No Mint Mark Half Dollar (Philadelphia)
• 1917-D Obverse Half Dollar (Denver)
• 1917-S Reverse Half Dollar (San Francisco)
• 1917-D Obverse Half Dollar (Denver)
• 1917-S Reverse Half Dollar (San Francisco)

 

1917 No Mint Mark Half Dollar Value

The 1917 Philadelphia Half Dollar represents the most accessible entry point into the transitional year that redefined American coinage. With a substantial mintage of 12,292,000 pieces, this issue is the most common of the early date (1916-1929) Walking Liberty half dollars in all grades, though mint state examples are usually well struck and gems display the distinctive white satin luster of early Walkers.

Despite the large production run, gems remain scarce relative to other denominations since collectors during that era prioritized saving smaller denominations due to face value concerns—a half dollar represented significant money in 1917.

Recent auction activity demonstrates the coin’s investment potential, with an MS-67 example achieving $3,600 in late 2023. Current pricing shows circulated examples trading around $15-20, while uncirculated specimens command premiums of several hundred to thousands of dollars depending on grade.

Recent auction results demonstrate the growing appreciation for this foundational variety among collectors seeking entry into the series.

Market activity reflects steady demand driven by both type collectors and investors recognizing its historical significance.

 

1917-D Obverse Half Dollar Value

The 1917-D Obverse commands respect as a true condition rarity among Walking Liberty half dollars. With only 765,400 pieces struck, this variety stands among just nine dates in the entire series with mintages below one million coins.

The distinctive “D” mintmark positioned beneath “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the obverse marks this as one of only two Denver Mint issues featuring the experimental mintmark placement before the mid-year policy reversal.

Market performance demonstrates the coin’s elite collector status. Recent auction records show MS-66 specimens achieving $78,000 in early 2018, with MS-64 examples bringing $22,800 in 2025.

Expert David Hall notes that while technically a variety, this issue has been collected as part of the main set for generations, representing a low-mintage semi-key date that remains scarce in circulated grades with mint state examples being very scarce and gems classified as rare.

The record auction result underscores the coin’s attainable value and earns the respect of serious numismatists.

Market patterns reveal concentrated collector interest focused on the mintmark placement variety from Denver.

 

1917-D Reverse Half Dollar Value

Bearing a substantial mintage of 1,940,000 pieces, the 1917-D Reverse represents the product of Denver Mint’s increased production following the April 1917 mintmark relocation order.

This variety showcases the refined die positioning with the “D” mintmark placed at the 7 o’clock position on the reverse, creating better visual balance than the earlier obverse placement that Director von Engelken deemed defective.

The grading hierarchy reveals fascinating dynamics: in gem condition, the 1917-D Reverse proves decidedly rarer than its obverse counterpart. Quality compensates for quantity, as strike quality is usually decent on this issue and luster often displays very nice characteristics.

Auction performance highlights the complex relationship between mintage figures and actual market value in higher grades.

Current market dynamics show sustained collector interest despite the variety’s higher production numbers compared to its obverse counterpart.

 

1917-S Obverse Half Dollar Value

Among Walking Liberty half dollars, few coins evoke the reverence reserved for the 1917-S Obverse. With only 952,000 pieces struck at the San Francisco Mint, this variety joins eight others in the Walking Liberty series with sub-million mintages.

This issue was historically the most expensive coin in the series in mint state condition, though modern population reports now reveal the 1921-S and 1919-D as technically rarer.

However, the coin’s scarcity transcends grade boundaries. Unlike common dates where collector interest focuses on mint state examples, the 1917-S Obverse remains scarce across all conditions except the lowest grades, with Very Fine and Extremely Fine specimens being particularly elusive.

Recent auction activity demonstrates amazing high market strength, with an MS-67 specimen achieving $152,750 in August 2015. The coin’s historical significance as San Francisco’s contribution to the transitional mintmark experiment, combined with its proven track record of appreciation.

Auction prices across all grade levels confirm this variety’s position among the most coveted Walking Liberty half dollars ever minted.

Market sentiment continues to favor this legendary key date with consistent.

 

1917-S Reverse Half Dollar Value

The 1917-S Reverse emerges as a study in collector accessibility within the context of 1917’s transitional varieties. Boasting the highest mintage among the four Denver and San Francisco varieties at 5,554,000 pieces, this issue represents the most abundant production following the mintmark relocation policy. The substantial production run resulted from San Francisco Mint’s ability to quickly implement the new reverse die placement after Director Baker’s April confirmation of the mintmark change.

Market positioning reveals interesting dynamics: The Greysheet confirms this as the least scarce of all four mintmarked varieties from 1917, with the high mintage keeping circulated grades common and affordable.

However, the abundance advantage disappears in higher grades. MS-65 specimens achieve rarity status, while MS-66 and MS-67 examples become very rare. Auction records show an MS-67 achieving $71,300 in 2006, demonstrating that exceptional preservation can elevate even higher-mintage varieties into premium territory.

Auction trends reveal the coin’s role as an accessible gateway into the 1917 mintmark transition story for collectors.

Market participation shows broad-based interest from collectors.

Also Read: Rare Half Dollar Coins to Look For

 

Rare 1917 Half Dollar Error List

The 1917 run of the Walking Liberty half dollars came across the issue of striking the mint marks on the wrong side of the coin, resulting in different varieties. But mint errors were quite rare in the 1917 Walking Liberty half dollars, as with any mintage year of the series.

1. 1917 Half Dollar Delamination Errors

Delamination happens on a coin when the laminated layers of the planchet start to split and tear apart, creating lines that look like slashes on the coin.

This error could be due to several reasons, including a defective adhesive that couldn’t hold the layers together, or having contaminants in the allow before the planchets were even cut into shape. As a result, the metal separates, creating broken lines on the coin.

Delamination can be seen in some 1917 Walking Liberty half dollars. In one of the cases, the planchet’s metals did not completely bond together, so they started separating into lines on the obverse.

 

Where to Sell Your 1917 Half Dollar?

Now that you understand your 1917 Half Dollar’s market value and grade, the key question becomes finding the right selling platform to turn that knowledge into maximum profit. Whether you have a common circulated piece or a rare obverse mintmark variety, selecting the appropriate marketplace is crucial for achieving optimal returns.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1917 Half Dollar Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About The 1917 Half Dollar

1. Where is the mint mark on a 1917 half dollar?

The mint marks on the 1917 half dollars were originally placed on the obverse of the coin, right below the words “In God We Trust.” A few months into production, it was ordered to be moved to the reverse, below the growing sapling sprouting from the mountain crag. Depending on which variety you have, you’ll see the “D” or “S” mark of your coin in either of these two places. If you have a coin that was minted in Philadelphia, you won’t find any mint marks.

2. How much silver is in a half dollar from 1917?

Like all of the silver coins created during its time, the 1917 Walking Liberty half dollars were made of 90% silver and 10% copper.

3. How can I tell if my 1917 half dollar is counterfeit?

Counterfeit Walking Liberty half dollars exist, particularly cast lead copies made during the Great Depression when a half dollar represented significant value. Authentic 1917 half dollars should weigh exactly 12.50 grams and measure 30.6mm in diameter. Counterfeits are often noticeably lighter, made of soft metals like lead or pot metal, and lack the proper “ring” when dropped on a hard surface. Modern counterfeits from China may have hand-cut dates and mintmarks with rough, ragged design details. When in doubt, have your coin authenticated by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC, which guarantee authenticity.